Launch Your Citywide Arboretum in Just 30 Days

LIVE 4-WEEK WORKSHOP STARTING SEPTEMBER 15, 2026.
(8 ONE-HOUR SESSIONS)

What you will build in 30 days

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Your Arboretum architecture: scope, mission and plan.
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An interactive tree map that is 100% community accessible.
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A completed application for professional international accreditation through ArbNet.
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Your first arboretum smart signs that will turn any tree into a 24/7 ambassador.
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A PR plan to create huge launch fanfare without a huge hassle.
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A 12-month momentum plan for deep engagement with your community.

We can't imagine another 30-day quest with more lasting impact.

Why create a citywide arboretum?

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Evoke incredible pride of place. Will you be the first citywide arboretum in your region?
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Open an instant portal to truly meaningful work for every student in your city.
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Protect existing trees -- even those on private properties. With no new legislation.
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Unlock serious private giving - with zero stress.
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Create huge visibility... and huge impact.

Your citywide arboretum can be simple to start... and easy to scale.

For a student, a single tree can be a lifelong learning experience.

The process

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Attend 8 live webinar workshops on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11am EST.
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Review call replays at any time so you don't miss a thing.
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Complete manageable homework assignments. We promise to deliver an arboretum - but we can't do it without you!

Your instructor

Helen has supervised arboretum accreditation for over 30 public and private arboreta. The goal? To help property owners dedicate their landscapes to conservation.

While interim director for a small tree conservancy, Helen helped establish New England’s first citywide arboretum. She then launched a first-of-its-kind program leveraging private property arboretum accreditation to engage new supporters.

Managed by a single college intern, the accreditation program more than doubled the tree conservancy's private donations and enabled its first full-time Director hire. Helen has since implemented the same approach for a volunteer organization in Fernandina Beach, Florida, a community which now has 11 professionally accredited arboreta, far more than any other city in the state.

This workshop is what she wishes had existed when she started.

Who this workshop is for

Local conservation groups that want to grow. Fast.

Students, scout troops or volunteers who want to build something real in their community.

Garden clubs ready to create something that wows their friends and neighbors and invites new membership.

Tree conservancies looking to radically increase community engagement and better conserve private trees.

Any botanical garden or arboretum ready to expand their reach by an order of magnitude..

Forestry or Parks departments that want to celebrate the amazing canopy under their care.

Conservation. Culture. Community.

An arboretum never stops growing.

Growth takeaways

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The 3 people you should invite to be on your Arboretum Steering Committee.
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How to develop a good working relationship with your Forestry or Parks Department… and a simple workaround if they decline to participate.
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The absolute easiest way to let local students participate in their citywide arboretum - right away.
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How your arboretum can turbocharge fundraising for tree planting, conservation, and much more. And how to make sure your tree signs pay for themselves.
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A quick way to create your first tree walks, why shorter is better, and how to gamify them.
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Why your citywide arboretum doesn't have to include ONLY public trees. And why including private trees is your key to killer engagement.
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A simple way to help new volunteers identify tree species in the field (there is currently no single software that will ID all trees)

Your citywide arboretum is a springboard for sustainable funding and community connection.

Past results

Newport, Rhode Island

First citywide arboretum in New England
24+ additional properties accredited
Doubled private giving - with no new fundraising
Established a Heritage Tree Center at the local high school
Able to hire a full time Director as a direct result of the accreditation program

Amelia Island, Florida

11 accredited arboreta - more than any other city in Florida
Instant success at their first fundraising event
Accreditation partners include their downtown historic district, local hotels (including the Ritz Carlton) and private homes/communities.

FAQs

What is the time commitment?

This is a workshop meant to produce results, so there will be some reasonable homework aside from the twice weekly 1-hour sessions. But an important reason to join the cohort is that we will show you all the shortcuts to getting things done fast. Create your interactive tree map in just five minutes. Use our pre-written press releases and email announcements. Complete your ArbNet accreditation application quickly and efficiently.

Our town is small. Can we still have an arboretum?

Yes. If you have 25 species or varieties of woody plants (trees or shrubs), you can have an accredited Level I Arboretum.

Can anyone create a citywide arboretum?

Yes. Anyone can capture info on public trees digitally. Add private trees to the arboretum by encouraging your neighbors and friends to participate as well.

To tag trees (public or private), you must have the express permission of the property owner.

If you would like to also be accredited through ArbNet, you must have permission of the property owner. In the case of public trees, this would mean reaching out to your local forestry or parks department.

What if I miss a workshop session?

All sessions will be available as replays.

Launch Your Citywide Arboretum in Just 30 Days

$1,200

Not sure if this is right for your organization? Attend the first two sessions. If it's not what you expected, contact us before session three for a full refund — no questions asked.

SESSION DATES:

September 15, 17, 22, 24, 29 · October 1, 6, 8

Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11am EST

Sessions will be 90 minutes. Replays will be made available.